GARDENING CLUB BRINGS A RIOT OF COLOUR TO THE SPRING SHOW

Rhydlewis and District Gardening club held their annual spring show on 26 March and the village hall was turned into a stunning display of Spring colours. Despite the difficult winter for gardeners the club members rallied round to fill the hall with flowers, artwork and homecraft to give international judge Rannveig Wallis a hard time to chose her award winning exhibits.

Winner of the most points in classes 1-17, Best exhibit in Classes 1-14 was Jane Soltys, well done Jane.

Artisan Award for most points in Classes 18-31 was a draw between Jane Soltys and Sophie Heath.

Winner of the' Club members only Prize' for narcissi,  The Pam Hufferdine Trophy,  went to. Jim Milton

Here are the full results;

1. Single daffodil Div. 1 1^st. Nina Milton 2^nd.Ann Todd 
2. Single Daffodil Div.1 any colour 1^st. Jane Soltys
3. Cupped Narcissus Div. 2 & 3 1^st. Jane Puddephatt 2^nd. Jane Puddephatt
4. Double Narcissus Div. 4 1^st. Nina Milton 2^nd Nina Milton
5. Narcissus div.5-12 1^st Jane Soltys 2^nd. Michael Lloyd
6. Pot of bulbs in bloom 1^st. Marg Fogg 2^nd Jane Soltys
7. Vase of Spring flowers 1^st. Dilys Davies 2^nd Nina Milton
8. Tulips 1^st. Jim Milton 2^nd Nina Milton
9. Camellia 1^st. Janette Sharman 2^nd. Jane Soltys
10. Flowering plant in a pot 1^st. Jane Soltys 2^nd. Ann Todd
11. Cut spray of flowering tree or shrub 1^st. Nina Milton 2^nd. Jenny Archibald
12. Dish of floating Hellebore heads 1^st Jane Soltys 2^nd. Janette Sharman & Gwen Thomas
13. Posy of Primula 21^st. Janette Sharman
14. Vase of decorative Foliage 1^st. Jane Soltys 2^nd. Erica Knight 
15. Club members only The Pam Hufferdine Trophy 1^st. Jim Milton
16. Table Centrepiece  No entries
17. Floral Basket arrangement 1^st. Gwen Thomas
18. A fascinator 1^st. Sophie Heath
19. Snow scene Photo 1^st. Vince Taylor
20. Snow scene painting 1^st. Jim Milton 2^nd. Jim Milton
21. Decorated egg 1^st. Georgia Heathe 2^nd. Jane Soltys
22. Handmade farm animal 1^st. …2^nd. Jane Soltys
23. Face mask made from paper plate 1^st. Jane Soltys 2^nd. Georgia Heath
24. A wedding inviatation Card 1^st. Jane Soltys
25. 4 Jam Tarts 1^st. Sophie Heath 2^nd. Marg Fogg
26. 4 hot cross buns 1^st. Sophie Heath 2^nd. Jane Soltys
27. A filled Chocolate Sponge cake 1^st. Marg Fogg 2^nd. Nina Milton and Sophie Heath
28. Bowl of homemade fudge 1^st. Jane Soltys 2^nd. Sophie Heath
29. Most creative Jelly 1^st. Sophie Heath 2^nd. Jane Soltys
30. Jar of Curd 1^st. Marg Fogg 2^nd. Nina Milton
31. Jar of Marmalade 1^st. Nina Milton

Well done to everybody who made this show a colourful event and congratulations to all the winners.

Hope to see you all at the Produce show on 27 August.

Jane xx

THE SPRING SHOW 2024; your full schedule and staging advice.

SPRING SHOW

TUESDAY 26th MARCH 2024

RHYDLEWIS VILLAGE HALL

STAGING FROM 3.00pm UNTIL 5.00pm

SHOW OPENS AT 7.30pm

RAFFLE AND REFRESHMENTS

(Donations for raffle greatly appreciated)

AUCTION OF DONATED EXHIBITS

OPEN TO ALL EXHIBITORS  (except class 15)

Entry Fees

Members of Rhydlewis Gardening Club & Children under 12 – Free

Non- Members of Rhydlewis Gardening Club – £1 flat fee regardless of how many entries

RULES

Unless otherwise stated, exhibits in classes 1 - 13 should consist of one variety only. 

Unless otherwise stated, exhibits in classes 1 - 14 should consist of fresh plant material and displayed in a container or vase supplied by the exhibitor.

Classes 1 - 15; all exhibits must have been grown by the exhibitor. 

Help will be given with staging and classification if needed.

Rhydlewis Gardening Club cannot be responsible for anything left in the hall after the Show. If necessary, label vases and containers.

ANY OBJECTION TO AN EXHIBIT MUST BE MADE TO THE SHOW SECRETARY ON THE NIGHT OF THE SHOW.

In the event of a dispute the committee reserves the right to inspect gardens and, if necessary to disqualify.

JUDGES

Rannveig & Bob Wallis

 –Flowers and Floral Art—Homecraft – Art and Craft

AWARDS

1. FLORAL WINNER – Most Points in classes 1-17

2. THE DERRICK AND BARBARA CALOW MEMORIAL AWARD

 – Best Exhibit in classes 1-14

3. ARTISAN AWARD – Most Points in classes 18 - 31

4. PAM HUFFERDINE TROPHY – Best Exhibit in class 15

For further information please contact the Show Secretary

Jane Puddephatt 01239 851070 

or the secretary Nina Milton 01239 851096/07962781146

Please see website for schedule copies http://rhydlewisgardeningclub.blogspot.co.uk/

                                        

THE FULL SCHEDULE; 

FLOWERS

Single Daffodil - 3 blooms, 1 variety, all yellow (Div 1)

Single Daffodil - 3 blooms, 1 variety (Div 1)

Large or small-cupped Narcissus - 3 blooms, one variety (Divs 2 and 3)

Double Narcissus (including Daffodils) - 3 stems, one variety (Div 4)

Narcissus - any other - 3 stems, 1 variety (Divs 5 to 12)

Bowl or pot of Bulbs in Bloom - any one variety

Vase of Spring Flowers - not more than 6 varieties

Tulips - 3 stems, one variety

Camellia - 1 bloom

Flowering Plant in a pot - under 24ins (60cms) high, including pot

Flowering Tree or Shrub - cut spray from one variety

Dish of Floating Hellebore Heads

 A posy of Primula (including primrose, polyanthus, cowslip etc.)

A Vase/Container of Decorative Foliage – not more than 8 varieties

CLUB MEMBERS ONLY

 A pot of  Jetfire Narcissi, grown from bulbs supplied last autumn

FLORAL ART

A table centrepiece incorporating at least one candle - not to exceed 12ins (30cms) overall

A floral basket arrangement entitled, ‘Happy Birthday’ - size optional

(Categories 16 and 17 can include non-plant accessories, fruit, vegetables and purchased plant items)

ART, CRAFT & PHOTOGRAPHY

Fascinator any material natural or artificial

‘A Snow Scene’ - a photograph not exceeding 12 x 18ins (30 x 46cms) – can be framed, mounted or unmounted

‘A Snow Scene’   A Painting in any medium Not exceeding 12 x 18ins (30 x 46cms) – can be framed, mounted or unmounted

 Decorated egg (any size, any medium)

Handmade farm animal (any medium, any size)

 A Face mask made from a Paper Plate

 A wedding invitation card

HOMECRAFT

 4 Jam Tarts

4 Hot Cross Buns

A Filled Chocolate Sponge Cake

Bowl of homemade Fudge cut into pieces

Most Creative Jelly

A Jar of Curd

A Jar of Marmalade

ADVICE

Please ensure all exhibits conform to schedule requirements.

RHS NARCISSUS CLASS Divisions  For Flower Schedule Entries 1 to 5:

Division 1 - One flower per stem with the trumpet as long as, or longer than petals

Divisions 2 & 3 - One flower per stem with the trumpet shorter than petals

Division 4 - Includes ALL doubles – one or more flowers per stem

Divisions 5 to 12 – Includes; Triandrus, Cyclamineus, Jonquilla, Tazetta, Poeticus, Bulbocodium, Collar, Papillon and all other daffodil 

Display each entry to it's best within the guidelines Follow the guidelines for size and number very carefully to avoid disqualification. 

FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS 

Flowers and other arrangement items can be purchased or home-grown. Follow the height and/or width rules carefully. Be sure to reflect the theme.  Judging will focus on the aesthetic of the arrangement and quality of the natural ‘ingredients’.

ARTS AND CRAFTS

Display each entry to i's best within the guidelines

Follow the guidelines for size and number very carefully to avoid disqualification. 

Ensure the art and craft items are newly made, preferably especially for the show.

CHILDREN'S ENTRIES. 

We encourage children's exhibits in all classes, but the child must have been actively involve in the growing or making of the exhibit in the 60 day period mention above (where appropriate). Children's entries will be judged alongside without favour, but there will be a small 'prize' for all under 15 entries.

HOMECRAFTS

Jar of Marmalade/Curd  ––  any fruit in a one lb  jar. Seal with paper seal and a cellophane cover and rubber band. No lids. Labelling: only the contents of the jar should be on the label (i.e. SEVILLE MARMALADE)

All cakes, sweets, etc: choose your own recipe to be judged alongside others. Display prettily on your own chinaware (although plates and dishes are available from the kitchen area) 

BRINGING YOUR EXHIBITS TO BE STAGED

Bring your  exhibits ready to be staged during STAGING FROM 3.00pm UNTIL 5.00pm

There's a side table you can 'dump' your exhibits on while putting them in the correct places. 

See the show secretary (just inside the door ) to book in prior to staging your exhibits. 

There will be help from stewards with the exhibiting. 

The hall will be cleared at 5 pm prompt to allow judging to commence.

Exhibitors are then allowed in with general public at 7.30pm

Good Luck Everyone – look forward to seeing you on the day!

Trees, Bees and St David's Daffodils!

 

Hello all gardeners in the Rhydlewis district 

and a happy St Davids day to you al!

Firstly, here's an update from our Chairperson's Garden.

Well February has been a little wet and I would imagine most of you have had a chance of doing much in the garden other than swimming.

The talk on the 27^th February was well supported, and Paul Toft gave an interesting and insightful discussion on trees in our gardens.

The seed swap table went well and is something we are planning to do every meeting. We also plan to run these at community cafe so if anyone has seeds they can donate to encourage some others to get in to gardening that would be a great help.

I am also looking to do a plant sale for the gardening club on the April 13^th at the community cafe so if anyone has any plant they can donate to help this would be great . please let me know.

I myself have been starting to sow some seeds chillies, peppers, aubergines, onions, spring onions beetroot dispite the colder weather they seem to be doing okay.

Jobs for march 

Tidy the veg plots up ready for the impending planting

sowing

cauliflowers

red cabbage

peas

tomatoes

celery

parsnips

shallots

potatoes and carrots at the end of the month

Keep well and if anyone has any question please let me know

Thanks Paul, that's quite a lot to keep us going, especially as our gardens might be lying under a blanket of unexpected snow this morning!

You can contact Paul via the Facebook Page. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1205516119526419

Having checked the greenhouse, I came into get warm and enjoyed a video on identifying bumblebees. In our garden, we have lots of bee residents and visitors, and almost always these are bumbles, not honeybees. This YouTube video isn't long, but you can get  more information, including wall charts, from the charity. Go to https://www.bumblebeeconservation.org/identify-a-bumblebee/. 

The next meeting is the Spring Show, 31st March 2024. Check your bulbs  in  pots; the skill is to keep them budding until the flower just before the show! 

And now is the time to start on some handicraft or other, ready to submit for the Handicraft entries. There's plenty of arts and  crafts to choose from this year, so pick one or two of the ideas and enjoy working on them in front of a blazing fire. Better than telly!

Directly below is the show schedule, which you can work and plan from. The schedule is also downloadable if you click on the link at the top of the page. Below the schedule you will find the hints and tips that will allow you to present your very best plants, flowers, arts and homecrafts for staging on the day.

CLWB GARDDIO RHYDLEWIS A’R CYLCH

RHYDLEWIS AND DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB

SPRING SHOW TUESDAY 31st MARCH 2024

RHYDLEWIS VILLAGE HALL

STAGING FROM 3.00pm UNTIL 5.00pm

SHOW OPENS AT 7.30pm

RAFFLE AND REFRESHMENTS

(Donations for raffle greatly appreciated)

AUCTION OF DONATED EXHIBITS

Read on for further information, especially on how to 'show' your contributions; 

FLOWERS

Single Daffodil - 3 blooms, 1 variety, all yellow (Div 1)

Single Daffodil - 3 blooms, 1 variety (Div 1)

Large or small-cupped Narcissus - 3 blooms, one variety (Divs 2 and 3)

Double Narcissus (including Daffodils) - 3 stems, one variety (Div 4)

Narcissus - any other - 3 stems, 1 variety (Divs 5 to 12)

Bowl or pot of Bulbs in Bloom - any one variety

Vase of Spring Flowers - not more than 6 varieties

Tulips - 3 stems, one variety

Camellia - 1 bloom

Flowering Plant in a pot - under 24ins (60cms) high, including pot

Flowering Tree or Shrub - cut spray from one variety

Dish of Floating Hellebore Heads

 A posy of Primula (including primrose, polyanthus, cowslip etc.)

A Vase/Container of Decorative Foliage – not more than 8 varieties

CLUB MEMBERS ONLY

 A pot of  Jetfire Narcissi, grown from bulbs supplied last autumn

FLORAL ART

A table centrepiece incorporating at least one candle - not to exceed 12ins (30cms) overall

A floral basket arrangement entitled, ‘Happy Birthday’ - size optional

(Categories 16 and 17 can include non-plant accessories, fruit, vegetables and purchased plant items)

ART, CRAFT & PHOTOGRAPHY

Fascinator any material natural or artificial

‘A Snow Scene’ - a photograph not exceeding 12 x 18ins (30 x 46cms) – can be framed, mounted or unmounted

‘A Snow Scene’   A Painting in any medium Not exceeding 12 x 18ins (30 x 46cms) – can be framed, mounted or unmounted

Decorated egg (any size, any medium)

Handmade farm animal (any medium, any size)

 A Face mask made from a Paper Plate

 A wedding invitation card

HOMECRAFT

 4 Jam Tarts

4 Hot Cross Buns

A Filled Chocolate Sponge Cake

Bowl of homemade Fudge cut into pieces

Most Creative Jelly

A Jar of Curd

A Jar of Marmalade

Entry Fees

Members of Rhydlewis Gardening Club & Children under 12 – Free

Non- Members of Rhydlewis Gardening Club – £1 flat fee regardless of how many entries

ADVICE

Display each entry to it's best within the guidelines Follow the guidelines for size and number very carefully to avoid disqualification. 

FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS 

Flowers and other arrangement items can be purchased or home-grown. Follow the height and/or width rules carefully. Be sure to reflect the theme.  Judging will focus on the aesthetic of the arrangement and quality of the natural ‘ingredients’.

ARTS AND CRAFTS

Display each entry to i's best within the guidelines

Follow the guidelines for size and number very carefully to avoid disqualification. 

Ensure the art and craft items are newly made, preferably especially for the show.

CHILDREN'S ENTRIES. 

We encourage children's exhibits in all classes, but the child must have been actively involve in the growing or making of the exhibit in the 60 day period mention above (where appropriate). Children's entries will be judged alongside without favour, but there will be a small 'prize' for all under 15 entries.

HOMECRAFTS

Jar of Marmalade/Curd  ––  any fruit in a one lb  jar. Seal with paper seal and a cellophane cover and rubber band. No lids. Labelling: only the contents of the jar should be on the label (i.e. SEVILLE MARMALADE)

All cakes, sweets, etc: choose your own recipe to be judged alongside others. Display prettily on your own chinaware (although plates and dishes are available from the kitchen area) 

BRINGING YOUR EXHIBITS TO BE STAGED

Bring your  exhibits ready to be staged during STAGING FROM 3.00pm UNTIL 5.00pm

There's a side table you can 'dump' your exhibits on while putting them in the correct places. 

See the show secretary (just inside the door ) to book in prior to staging your exhibits. 

There will be help from stewards with the exhibiting. 

The hall will be cleared at 5 pm prompt to allow judging to commence.

Exhibitors are then allowed in with general public at 7.30pm

Good Luck Everyone – look forward to seeing you on the day!

A New Year in the Garden

Happy New Year; Blwyddyn Newydd Dda!

Hope you had a very good midwinter, with lots of nice gardening presents.

It's almost too cold to venture into the garden at the moment, but I think many of us are trying, because at least it's dry and the puddles and lakes from the continuous downpours are draining away...for a while at least. 

So while you're warming your toes by the fire and have your laptop handy, why not send in some pictures of your garden from last year for our Page 'Member's Gardens' – send to me at ninahare00@googlemail.com. Or upload them to our Facebook page and let me know I can also use them on this blog.

It's also time to order your seeds. Don't forget that our Suttons Seed Club is still up and running, which brings down the price of Sutton Seed packets by 40% Just email Nina or Jim. 

But also have a look at The Welsh Seed Hub. A very small co-operative of local growers and seed collectors who put very good quality products up on this community site. Heritage varieties abound and the seeds seem to always come good. They are currently selling over 40 varieties of Welsh grown seed on the Open

Food Hub produce

Food Network.  Here's the link; https://openfoodnetwork.org.uk/hwb-hadau-cymru-wales-seed-hub/shop

I do hope you can all make it to the AGM.  The club always starts the new year with the Annual General Meeting which is being held at 7.30pm on Tuesday 30th January 2024.If anyone would like to see the agenda ahead of time, just let me know. I can send a copy by email.

The AGM gives you the opportunity to rejoin the club, by paying your subscriptions, which remain at £10 per person for the year; an absolute bargain! 

The new 2024 Programme, which will last you through to November, will be available to take home and you can pick up a copy of the Spring Show Schedule. Check through it now, so that you'll have the opportunity to indulge in some of the art and craft  categories through the rest of the winter.

Both the Spring Show Schedule and the 2024 Programme are also available on this blog site, at their own pages; look to the top of the home page and click on the appropriate link. 

If you are growing narcissi for the PAM HUFFERDINE TROPHY, now might be the time to check them, to see if the shoots are peeking though the soil. Don't forget you want them to be in perfect bloom at the end of March.

This year, at the AGM, as a trial run, we're going to be offering the refreshments (tea, coffee and biscuits),  as soon as you arrive at 7.30, allowing you to gossip with friends old and new before the meeting begins. We are looking for feedback here, let us know afterwards if you liked having your cuppa first, or prefer the traditional method, which is to chat and sip after the event is over. 

As always, there will be a raffle, and this time we're selling one ticket for £1 rather than selling in strips. We're offering some great raffle prizes to start this brand new year. But we are indebted to you, the members for bringing us raffle prizes, which really help keep the club solvent. Now is the time of year to rifle through the gifts you had only weeks ago, but know you'll never use; other people may love them!

We will also be sending the financial reports for 2023 by email attachment; this saves paper (and so trees) and allows everyone to look at them at their leisure, rather than trying to read while the meeting proceeds. It will give you time to examine the accounts and get back to treasurer Jim Milton with any queries you may have.

At the AGM, we will be asking for new ideas for meetings and talks, so if anyone would like to suggest a subject, or have something they would like to offer, or know of a good speaker we can engage, do bring the details with you, or let me know ahead of time so that we can add it to the agenda.

Looking forward to seeing you all on the 30th. 

  LOOKING AFTER THE TREES IN YOUR  GARDEN.

One month later, on the Tuesday 27th February we have our first speaker of the year.

Kicking off at  7.30pm we have respected local tree surgeon Paul Toft. He will give us hands-on talk abut the care you can give the trees in your garden, but they small or large, be they old or young, be they cherished or tolerated. Bring your tree related questions, particularly around pruning, disease and any worries about felling or maintaining the health of your trees.